As scientists, health professionals, and other experts who have devoted decades to understanding toxic threats to the development of children’s brains, we conclude that the presence and impact of toxic chemical additives to plastics, and potentially microplastics themselves, on children’s brains and bodies, constitute a significant public health concern. Here, we present evidence supporting the call to take actions to protect children from harm and offer recommendations to reduce the production, use, and toxicity of plastics as one way to reduce children’s exposures to these chemicals and to microplastics.
Published Jun 1, 2026
Marsit, C. J., Bennett, D. H., Birnbaum, L. S., Brody, C., Eskenazi, B., Gartner, E., Hertz-Picciotto, I., Hirtz, D., Miller, P., Perera, F., Schantz, S. L., Swanson, M., Khemet Taiwo, T., & Ritz, B. (2026). Protecting the developing brains of children from Plastics-Derived chemicals and microplastic particles. Environment International, 212, 110284. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVINT.2026.110284